# Charles VIII — The Prince character guide

> Charles VIII in The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Charles VIII

**First appearance:** 0009-iii-concerning-mixed-principalities

## Who they are

French king who invaded Italy in 1494, sparking Italian Wars.

## Relationships

### [Louis XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prince_se/characters/louis_xii)

_family_

Charles VIII and Louis XII were successive kings of France, with Louis being Charles's cousin and successor.

## In the story

### [XI: Concerning Ecclesiastical Principalities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prince_se/chapters/xi-concerning-ecclesiastical-principalities)

His passage into Italy is noted as a turning point before which Italy was under the dominion of several powers.

### [XII: How Many Kinds of Soldiery There Are, and Concerning Mercenaries](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prince_se/chapters/xii-how-many-kinds-of-soldiery-there-are-and-concerning-mercenaries)

Mentioned as the French king who seized Italy with ease due to reliance on mercenaries.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prince_se/chapters/endnotes)

King of France, born 1470, died 1498; invaded Italy in 1494.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prince_se/characters/charles_viii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prince_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prince_se/characters